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Member participation is vital to the success of the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation. Lawyers can and do make a difference by participating in one of the many volunteer opportunities available. Time commitments vary with each activity or committee depending upon its function and meeting schedule. Committee assignments are three-year terms. In the selection process, consideration is given to geographic representation, areas of practice, and other committee assignments of ISB/ILF involvement. Both ISB/ILF Committees are selected by their respective Boards in July of each year.
Idaho State Bar Committees
| Committee | Description | Chairperson(s) | Staff Liaison(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate Editorial Advisory Board | Determines the theme, selects and recruits authors for lead articles, and reviews the contents of each issue of The Advocate. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month; subcommittees meet as required; 10-12 members. | Brian P. Kane | Lindsey Welfley |
| Bar Exam Preparation | Reviews questions and analyses for each bar exam and provides feedback to the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Meets twice per year; 3 members. | Lane V. Erickson | Maureen Braley |
| Character and Fitness | Reviews character or fitness issues of applicants for admission. Makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners whether applicants should be admitted, denied or conditionally admitted to the Bar. Meets 5-6 times per year; 7 members (2 non-lawyers). | Matthew K. Wilde | Maureen Braley Joe Pirtle |
| Client Assistance Fund | Reviews claims against Client Assistance Fund for a loss of client funds due to dishonest conduct of lawyer. Makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners whether claims should be paid. Meets as required; 5 members (2 non-lawyers). | Bron M. Rammell | Julia Crossland Deanna Tollefson |
| Fee Arbitration Panels | Reviews matters submitted to fee arbitration by clients disputing fees charged by their lawyer. Panels in various districts formed as needed. If dispute is for $2,500 or less, it is assigned to a one lawyer panel; if dispute is for more than $2,500, it is assigned to a three-member panel including one nonlawyer. | No Chairperson | Layce Silvey |
| Idaho Academy of Leadership for Lawyers | Promotes diversity and inspires the development of leadership within the legal profession. Meets regularly throughout the year; 5 members (1 of which must be a past IALL participant). | Michael K. Porter Julie Stomper | Teresa Baker |
| Lawyer Assistance Program | 100% confidential program helps and supports lawyers who are experiencing problems associated with addictive behaviors such as, but not limited to: alcohol, drug use, gambling, mental health issues and/or depression. The program also focuses on educating legal professionals - as well as their family and friends - about alcohol, drug dependency, depression and other mental health problems. Meets quarterly; up to 25 members. | Jamie C. Shropshire | Teresa Baker |
| Lawyer Referral Service | Reviews policies for and operation of the Lawyer Referral Service. Works with Executive Director and LRS Coordinator in operating the Lawyer Referral Service. Committee meets the first Wednesday of every other month; 5-7 members. | Jay Q. Sturgell | Andy Bates |
| Professional Conduct Board | Exercises general control over attorney discipline. Acts as an "intermediate appellate court." Receives briefs and makes recommendations for disposition to the Idaho Supreme Court. Meets as needed; 3 members (1 non-lawyer). | James L. Martin | Layce Silvey |
| Reasonable Accommodations | Reviews accommodations requests of applicants for the bar exam. Makes recommendations for reasonable accommodations to the Board of Commissioners. Meets 2-3 times per year; 3 members (1 non-lawyer). | Melissa Luna | Maureen Braley Joe Pirtle |
| Unauthorized Practice of Law | Receives and reviews complaints about the unauthorized practice of law and makes recommendations for disposition. Meets as needed; 3 members. | No Chairperson | Joe Pirtle Al Gill |